Phoenix coach Dave Hendrickson hopes to turn last years 2-7 record back around to the direction they had the previous two seasons when they won a combined 13 games. Phoenix lost 3 of its contests by a touchdown or less. “Obviously our goals are to be competitive in the division and secure a playoff spot ” he said “We certainly want to be in the hunt for one of the top spots and win the division.”
“Offensive strength is our running game, we’re hoping to throw the ball a little more effectively this year and a little more often.” Hendrickson said. “We lost a lot of starters but the kids that have stepped up have done a real nice job.”
In the backfield will be Jacob Hart (Sr, 6’0 162) at QB Paul Raymond (Sr, 5’9 177) RB, RJ Beeles (Sr, 5’11 170) RB and FB Brandon Jones (Sr, 5’8 163). The receiving targets will be spread out amongst Drew Compeau (Sr, 6’1 190), Jacob Wegerski (Sr, 6’3 195), Brandon Merritt (Sr, 5’11 151) and TE Zachery Taillie (Sr, 6’4 202). “Raymond and Beeles are a nice 1-2 punch, both are very capable of having some big games” Hendrickson said. “As a Wing-T with two very good runningbacks you’re gonna run the ball”. Raymond returns after having a stellar junior season where he rushed for xx yards and xx TDs.
The line will be manned by seniors Adam Smith (5’11 280), Mike Wilder (5’10 223), Eric Shafer (5’9 222) and Jacob Deshaies (6’1 224).
With 18 seniors lost and only 2 starters back on defense that side of the ball is an obvious concern. “We really have to do a rebuild on defense; we lost a lot of kids to graduation to and it’s pretty much a complete rebuild.”
When the ball is in their opponents hands the Firebirds will rely on d-linemen Smith, Wilder, Shafer, and Taillie. The linebacking corp will consist of Eric LeTrey (6’0 175), Compeau and Jones. The corners will be Delreon Williams (So, 5’7 143) and Matt Morse (Sr, 5’9 143). The safety jobs are filled by Raymond and Beeles. The latter also handling the punting duties with longsnapping in the hands of Brandon Merritt (Sr, 5’11 160).
Phoenix lost it’s game against local rival Mexico due to the addition of Lafayette-Fabius-Pompey to Class B. “It was always a great rivalry and a game we looked forward to each year.”
“A lot of last years depth has moved up to fill the starting positions of departing seniors.” The 10-year head coach said. “Depth is pretty much the same as last year, strong in a couple of spots but in a couple if we had some injuries we could be in trouble.”
2007 Roster